Embalmer&#39;s instrument



Feb. 6, 1934. w. E. RICHARDS EMBALMERS INSTRUMENT Filed June 17. 1933 2Sheets-Sheet 1 I nvehlor Filed June 17, 1935 2' Sheets-Sheet 2 Inucnidr%/Z er E @Z-ZaI S flllorney Patented Feb. 6, 1934 PATENT OFEE f AEMBALMERS INSTRUBIENT Walter E. Richards, Richmond, Ky., assignor offifty percent to Kelly Richards, Edward H. Richards, and John A.Richards, all of Owingsville, Ky.

Application June 17, 1933. Serial No. 676,388

2 Claims.

This invention relates to an appliance or instrument particularlydevised for use in embalming work, the same being particularly adaptedfor removing blood clots.

In cases of deaths from pulmonary diseases it has been the generalexperience of embalmers to observe the formation of blood clotsimmediately after death. Needless to say, such clots impede thecirculation of embalming fluid in the veins of the corpse. Thus, inorder to attain adequate results, it is necessary to remove these clots.

At the present time, the principal method followed by embalmers inaccomplishing this task consists in the use of a pump-like plunger whichis inserted into the vein to remove the clots by suction.

I have therefore been impressed with the need for the provision anddevelopment of a scientifically correct mechanical instrument which issusceptible of expeditious use and capable of extracting the clots fromvital points in. order to promote freedom of circulation of theembalming fluid.

Briefly stated, I have accomplished the desired result through theadoption and perfection of an instrument whose principal feature is areciprocatory device which may be described as spring forceps, theforceps being used in conjunction with appropriate adaptation meanssuitable to allow the desired extension, retraction, and clampingaction.

Other features and advantages will become more readily apparent from thefollowing description and drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is an elevational and sectional view illustrating a preferredembodiment of the invention and showing the manner in which the forcepsare projected for grasping and withdrawing blood clots from a vein.

Figure 2 is a view similar to Figure 1, showing the forceps retractedinto the guide and drain tube.

Figure 3 is an elevational view of a modification of the inventionshowing a more simplified and economical arrangement with longer springforceps, the forceps being shown projected.

Figure 4 is a view like Figure 3 showing the 5 forceps retracted toclamping and extracting position.

Attention is first invited to Figures 1 and 2 wherein one part of theinstrument is differentiated by the numeral 5. This part comprises alongitudinally elongated tube 6 having a fluid drainage branch '7adjacent one end to accommodate a hose or the like. The opposite orright hand end of this guide and drain tube is slightly pointed androunded to facilitate insertion into the vein 8. Adjacent the latter endare venting and circulation slots 9 and a multiplicity of ports ororifices 10.

The longitudinally reciprocable tool shown in Figure 2 comprises anappropriate rod 11 slidably mounted in the tube 6 and having a handgripor 85 knob 12 at the left-hand end thereof. A special clamping head 13is at the opposite end of the rod and this head comprises a pair ofcompanion spring or resilient fingers 14 terminating in appropriatelyshaped clamping jaws 15 expressly ill designed for the purpose intended.

This reciprocatory tool is of a retractible and extensible type and maybe projected beyond the tube 6 as shown in Figure 1 for grasping andremoving the blood clot 16. As the fingers 14 .35 are projected theyspread apart by inherent or natural resiliency and as the clamping toolis withdrawn into the tube 6 the clamping fingers are bound together toinsure the proper grappling action. Moreover, the tool is withdrawnsufilciently into the tube as shown in Figure 2 to again release theblood clot and to allow it to be disposed of by proper drainage orsuction methods.

The same broad principle is illustrated in the embodiment of theinvention depicted in Figures 3 and 4. In other words, the instrumenthere shown is a two-part device comprising the clamping tool and a guideand retaining device therefor susceptible of permitting proper expansion9 and contraction of the jaws. The reciprocatory tool here shown ishowever the reverse of the arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2,although it is immaterial which part of the'device is utilized as therelatively movable part.

To avoid confusion and to permit proper gener- J ic recitation of theinvention, the clamping tool is designated generally by the numeral 17.It comprises a rod 18, one end of which is bent into a loop as indicatedat 19. The opposite end is 9 formed with the clamping means. Theclamping means comprises an enlarged head20 formed with elongated springfingers 21 terminating in clamping jaws 22 appropriate for grasping theblood clot 23. The jaws are also externally 9 shaped to permit them tobe forced into the vein. The complemental part of the instrumentcomprises a wire or equivalent element 24 extending through the loop 19at one end and formed at its opposite end with a guide and retractionsleeve 25. This sleeve is adapted to surround the fingers as shown inFigure 4 to contract the fingers and clamp the jaws effectively inplace.

As before indicated, it is immaterial whether the sleeve 25 is slippedup over the fingers or the fingers are drawn back through the sleeve. Ineither instance however, the proper contracting and clamping action isacquired whereby to permit the clot to be successfully removed anddisposed of.

Broadly comprehended, and generically recited, novelty is predicatedupon the provision of a scientifically correct and expertly designedappliance comprising a clamp-equipped tool, and a holding and guidemeans therefor, which means also has the capacity of permitting thedesired expanding and contracting action of the jawequipped fingers.Specifically, this holding and clamping means may be referred to eitheras a sleeve or a tube. In Figure 1 it is a tube, and in Figures 3 and 4a sleeve. Thus in either instance, the relatively reciprocatory tool iseither projected or retracted with respect to the tubular guide (tube 6in Figures 1 and 2 and sleeve 25 in Figures 3 and 4) to attain thedesired result. In both instances, the two parts of the appliance areassembled in proper co-ordination to facilitate handling by theembalmer.

A careful consideration of the foregoing description in conjunction withthe illustrative drawings will enable the reader to obtain a clearunderstanding of the purpose, features and advantages, the explicitconstruction, and the invention as hereinafter claimed.

It is to be understood that minor changes in shape, size, relativeproportions and materials may be resorted to in practice withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention or the scope of the inventionas now claimed.

I claim:

1. An enbalmers instrument of the class described comprising a toolembodying an operating rod formed at one end with a loop and at itsopposite end with a head, said head having diametrically opposite springfingers terminating in clot engaging jaws, a sleeve with which said headand fingers co-operate, and a holding wire for the sleeve, said wireextending through and beyond said loop.

2. In a surgical instrument of the class described, an elongated rodprovided adjacent one end with a lateral sleeve, a second rod having aloop at one end through which the first named rod operates, said secondrod at its other end having a head slidably fitting said sleeve, andopposed spring arms extending longitudinally from one end of the head,coacting jaws on the free ends of said arms, said spring arms beingnormally flexed outwardly from one another and having a sliding fit withthe sleeve and adapted when drawn through the sleeve to move inwardlytowards one another for holding the jaws in clamping engagement with thework WALTER E. RICHARDS.

